This was a beautiful, at times difficult story of two teenagers' struggles with mental health, how they find each other, help each other and themselves. TIt's about healing, and all the winding messy roads that lead towards and away from it. Despite the heavier topics, it is also a cute and fun read at many turns. I couldn’t put it down, read it in a day. I couldn’t put it down, read it in a day.

While the romance is a big chunk of the story, the main focus of the book is both of them trying to find healthier ways of dealing with their brain chemistry imbalance. At the beginning of the book, Shelbi is further along in her journey to mental health. While Walter is still in denial about his problems, Shelbi is very aware hers, but is dealing with them by avoiding most things in life, even friends.

👍
+ There are a lot of things these two characters have had to deal with in their lives, most of them exacerbating their mental disorders. It’s so heartbreaking to read about all the things that happened to them both, but it is also beautiful to see them help one another process all that happened.
+ The mental health aspects of the book are handled with such grace, nuance and thoughtfulness, making this a thought provoking and invaluable read about mental health.
+ The two characters were so adorable together. They had a friends-to-lovers romance that developed slowly over time. Their banter, especially over text, was a delight to read.
+ The cute romance also creates the perfect contrast to the heavier and very real topics covered in the book.
+ I loved how brilliant, nerdy and unapologetic Shelbi was. She just whips out a friendship contract like it’s nothing, and outlines exactly what her boundaries are. Amazing.
+ I loved how the title of the book tied back to the story. Make sure you keep reading after the author's note.

👎
- There was a scene where one MC asks the other if he’s gay, and that whole scene felt a decade old to me. Apologizing for asking, and questioning why the other would think that… I know the author is bisexual, I don’t think there was bad intent here, just awkward and outdated.
- I also didn’t like how Walter was reacting to what happened in the past with her ex. He was being what he was accusing his mom to be. (vague to avoid spoilers)
- There were also parts of this that just got a little more religious than I was expecting it to. As someone who likes as little religious talk in my reads as possible, it wasn't my favorite aspect.

Overall, this is a fantastic read that will take you on a journey along with its main characters. It will break you, heal you, and have you gushing at their romance.

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Thank you to Random House Children's, Crown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the eARC!

As an empathetic high school librarian and a good listener, I am confident that this book will fill a hole in every library’s collection. Our library purposefully and thoughtfully plans our diverse collection to include topics that deal with everything our teens face - from hate to all kinds of love to bias to body shaming to misogyny to rape to health issues to violence to history and on and on. Our teens live in a complex world. Chaos Theory treats teen mental health and alcoholism from the inside out. Nic Stone lets us inside Shelbi’s brain. She makes us feel Walter’s (Andy’s) angst as he takes a drink and descends. Through narrative and text messages Shelbi’s and Walt’s voices ring true as young adults becoming friends and possibly more. Their pasts and problems drive their decisions.

Nic Stone’s personal story is included at the beginning and her request at the end reaches deep into the soul. Thank you Ms. Stone for another powerful book that again gets to the heart of the matter. You may save some lives.

My deepest thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was one of the most honest-written books about mental health that I have ever read. Nic Stone hit it square on the head. I routed for both Andy & Shelbi through the whole book...loved that sneaky epilogue! Nowadays it is so important for kids and adults to speak about their mental health issues. No longer is it viewed as a stigma. Talking about it could save someone life. I started this book and could not put it down. Thank you Nic Stone for this incredible story.

4.5✨

“unexpected things happen, but know that as long as I’m able, I’ll be here for you.”

Chaos Theory is about two high school seniors who accidentally become friends after a text is sent to the wrong number. Shelbi became a safe space for Andy and subsequently became the peace he needed. Both characters dealt with traumatic experiences in their lives and those things are unpacked throughout the story. This book deals with grief, alcoholism, mental health stigma, guilt, and suicidal ideation, amongst other things that can be a trigger to some. I appreciated the way the author explained the things the characters were going through- it was easy to follow and really felt like I was in the moment with them. I loved their banter, witty charisma, and their friendship- it was beautiful, albeit hard to imagine going through at times. I loved Shelbi’s parents; they believed in her and allowed her to heal- they had good dialogue with her. I loved Andy’s dad but his mom was not it!

Overall, this story was good- a little heavy in the beginning but I quickly became so invested in Shelbi & Andy’s world. I didn’t want it to end. The ending was bittersweet and I totally feel like both characters got the help they deserved.

I received an arc from from netgalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

From my blog post: It’s not a secret that I’m a Nic Stone stan and how much I love her work (and her, as a person). When I finished this book (which was in a few hours, with stops for bathroom breaks), I immediately DMed her some thoughts. I absolutely loved this story and am still deciding if it knocks Jackpot from my favorite Nic Stone book spot or not. There was so much funny banter and nerd sh*t that it set my Blerdly heart aflutter. I loved how Shelbi & Andy (or should I say Walter?) navigated their circumstances together in this story. There’s grief, addiction, mental health discussions and some other potentially triggering subjects but there is also joy, friendship and great family members (wait till you meet Becky…she deserves her own book and Bibi)! I have already told Nic that I would like a New Adult crossover and I am putting it into the universe that we get one. I also wouldn’t be mad at any sort of on-screen adaptation (where are the Obamas to make this happen?).

This book is being released tomorrow! And it is definitely worth the read! This book tackles important issues regarding mental health in a way that is relatable to young readers. The main characters both struggle with their mental health throughout the book, and their stories unfold through their newfound friendship. This book is so important for young readers because it tackles mental health in a way that doesn’t alienate those that struggle. It discusses heavy topics without feeling super heavy to those reading it.

Shelbi is a new student at Windward Academy and she's just trying to get through the year: focusing on academics rather than any social life...because "friends" didn't work so well in California. However, a chance encounter finds her connecting with troubled, yet popular salutatorian Andy Criddle. Though determined to remain friends, Shelbi cannot deny (or ignore) the attraction she feels towards Andy (and vice versa). However, both must face their separate past traumas if they are ever to grow closer together.

Told from alternating POV of Shelbi and Andy, this contemporary YA romance touches on a lot of tough topics considering it's less than 300 pages: loss, grief, mental health, alcoholism, adultery, abortion, suicidal ideation, self-harm. I absolutely loved this book and the care Nic Stone takes in describing characters who are coping with mental health, addiction and external expectations and internal pressures. This was a heart-wrench novel with empathetic teen characters who I was fully rooting for the entire novel. Stone will forever be an automatic author on my TBR list due to her immense talent in writing about heavy topics through a YA lens without patronizing her audience. My only SUPER MINOR critique is that the book wasn't longer...I absolutely loved these characters and would have enjoyed delving deeper into their road towards healing.

I've read some incredible books by Nic Stone and yet getting into Chaos Theory tops all of the others for me!

My reaction: This is the book!

It was amazing to me for a variety of reasons. I love the multi-person POV shifts between the main characters, Shelbi and Andy/Walter. The characters are equally well-written and there's a thoughtful consideration given to each of them. It's one thing to have written a story addressing mental health issues and bringing awareness to them, but it's another to work them from the angle of the young adult narrative.

Chaos Theory follows the riveting romance of two teenagers who are grappling with their own individual issues: one is a genius living with bipolar disorder and the other is dealing with grief and addiction problems. Imagine two teenagers who are not in the same circles, technically, but their own private shared commonalities is what brings them together. And, after breaking a prescribed list of rules they've set for themselves, and their checkered pasts catching up to them they'll have to realize the importance of prioritizing their mental health. As well, they'll have to learn how to balance the undeniable love they've grown for each other amidst all of the chaos.

It was a pleasure to read this book. I do highly recommend it. I was sold the moment I learned about this book but then when I got my copy and read the author's note...I knew this would be a winner!! Kudos for a much needed story being told.

Nic Stone's latest book is a heartbreaking story about grief and love. Shelbi and Andy make an unlikely pair when Andy accidentally texts Shelbi during a night of drinking. What could have become a convoluted story of mistaken identity is a beautiful story of two people finding each other at a moment in their lives when they really need another person. Shelbi's managed her bipolar diagnosis fairly well for years and knows her triggers well. Andy is grieving the accidental death of his little sister and he's feeling more and more disconnected from his father and his politician mother. The author's note is moving and informative. Shelbi and Andy's story will stick with readers long after they've finished the book.

Dear Martin was a 5 star book and so I was very very excited to read this one! I'm all about mental health so any book that discussed mental health in an easy to way form is an automatic read.

Nic does such an amazing job of destigmatizing mental health. It would be a great read for students that struggle with mental health.

Everyone was fully developed and it was so impressive for a YA novel!

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Fiction/Mental Health
Rating: 5/5

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Crown Books for Young Readers, and Nic Stone for the opportunity to read Chaos Theory in exchange for an honest review.

Chaos Theory is an exquisite written work that tells the story through alternating third-person limited chapters based around Shelbi and Andy. There are also numerous chapters in which the story is told only through text messages. This combination makes for a quick, engaging read.

After some traumas with friendships in the past, Shelbi is rather disinclined to make new friends at her new school. She's about to graduate anyway, so it's a pointless endeavor. A brilliant young woman who ahs even skipped a grade, Shelbi's life is affected by neurotransmitter atypicality, as Nic Stone puts it, though many may call this Bipolar. It is a part of who Shelbi is, and it can be hard to make friends because of it.

Andy likes to drink his troubles away. After miserably accidentally drunk-texting Shelbi, when he meant to text his ex, he attempts to drive home and crashed his car. It's bad enough he is the son of an iconic politician, but to be removed from speaking in the graduation ceremony on top if everything else just adds to the ante.

When the accidental text brings these two people together, they learn that they can rely on each other when their mental health dwindles. There is so much in the lives of these two characters, and they are so vastly dynamic. Being able to be there for each other proves to be the most valuable friendship, with a possibility of something more.

In an exploration of mental health, grief, family dynamics, friendship, and love, Nic Stone has written a must-read masterpiece.

Nic Stone is an amazing writer! This book captures the attention and holds it of the reader. A diverse, complex tale that will definitely have my students wanting to read it!

Nic Stone is always an insta-buy for me, and this latest isn't any different. I'm so excited to get this for my library. Her stories have just the right amount of swoon, mixed with interesting characters, big issues, and satisfying endings.

I loved this book and I will be asking my daughter to read it too. Young adult books can sometimes be too much but this book was very well done and important. I loved both Shelbi and Andy. My oldest daughter has pretty severe anxiety that causes panic attacks and depression so book that cover mental illness in a real and honest way will always be a favorite of mines. I recommend this book to all young adult readers and adult readers would benefit greatly from reading it as well.

4.5 stars

Thank you Nic Stone and NetGalley for early access to this book in return for an honest review.

The novel begins with a note from Nic Stone about the development of the novel and its topics, followed by trigger warnings. I heard Nic Stone present at NCTE in November, and her voice comes through in her note. It’s authentic, witty, and vulnerable.

Shelbi and Andy/Walter are in high school trying to navigate the complexity of adolescence and mental health struggles. It was easy to fall in love with their characters and cheer them on throughout the story. Text exchanges and alternating points of view allow the reader to see Shelbi and Andy’s perspective. Just when you think the story is over, Stone interjects with another note. Her words about the stigma of mental health are so important. The epilogue offers hope.

I promptly ordered copies of Chaos Theory for my classroom library when I finished reading. Shelbi and Andy/Walter’s story made me laugh and cry. I know that this book will impact many people and I'm thankful for the opportunity to read it.

#netgalleyarc Man, this was SO good! It took me back to when I was in high school and needed a book like this. I relate to both characters, both as my teenage self and as an adult now. I love that their open conversation took place over text messages because there’s something freeing about talking to someone when you can’t see them, it makes you rave. I love that Nic Stone tackled mental health and alcohol addiction in teenagers because those are generally taboo topics but we NEED to talk about them. I was the student who showed up hungover to school, who battled alcohol problems for years and is now 4 years sober. My mental health for sure tied into that situation and I’m still battling my mental health everyday but the more the conversation happens, the more we learn about each other and our daily battles. A MUST read and a definite buy for my high school library.

3.5 stars. I’ve been waiting on a Nic Stone solo book FOREVER. I really liked the mental health rep and it was easy to get through. But still probably my least favorite I’ve read by her. I don’t know, I had very high expectations. It was good but not great

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for offering this ARC for review.

As a high school librarian, I'm always on the lookout for a variety of books to fit different needs for our school community. Many students are interested in reading books featuring characters that live with mental illness and other struggles. I'm excited to add this title to our collection because of the two main characters, Shelbie and Andy (Walter).

This story touches on mental illness and addiction. The author includes notes to help prepare folks for what they will read so they can make an informed decision.

The two main characters are drawn to each other, but worried about each other and the problems that a relationship could cause. It is a sweet love story. Teens will understand the flutters and the worries of this burgeoning relationship. They will likely also appreciate the ways that the teens cope with their issues.

This is an important addition to a teen library. Will buy!

This is one powerful book, but reader beware…

Growing up can be difficult in the teen years especially if you have issues of your own and tricky circumstances that surround you.

Thus is the troubled story of Shelby and Andy… Sweet, bittersweet and at times tragic. Shelbi Augustine has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is trying to deal with her life at school by not getting close to anyone. She had disclosed her diagnosis before only to be bullied and humiliated.
Andy Criddle is dealing with a lot after the death of his baby sister, of which he feels himself is to blame, thst feeling sadly reinforced by his own mother. With fights happening at home daily between his parents and a recent breakup, Andy starts to self medicate by turning to alcohol and a lot of it!
The story begins as Andy randomly drunk texts Shelbi one night and that same night he wrecks his car earning himself a DUI and a suspended driver’s license. Thus begins a relationship. As the two get to know one another, Shelbi and Andy make a friendship pact to always just be friends, but as their friendship progresses their mutual desire is to be more than friends.

This was a great read that touched on so many issues and troubles people face. Nic Stone’s opening message sets the stage for this revealing and at times raw account of two struggling teens even though on the outside they appear to have everything in life folks want and more. Carefully read the authors note that begins… “Dear beloved reader.” This note is important as it will ground you before you start reading since some of the subject matter is pretty tough. Stone goes on to confide that the events are based on personal experiences
You will find characters you will adore, Shelbi’s parents, grandma, and cousin. I predict you will absolutely loathe Andy’s mother.
What an excellent writer you Nic Stone.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. I generally love Nic Stone’s YA novels and this one was no exception. It was an honest, unflinching, messy, and beautiful glimpse into the world of two teens dealing with mental illnesses. I loved both Shelbi and Walter/Andy and most of the other characters (except Andy’s awful mother!) were also a delight. Stone is truly gifted at developing characters the reader falls in love with within in the first couple of chapters. I will definitely be purchasing this one for my daughter when it comes out.